The calorific value of a solid or a liquid fuel is determined by
burning a known mass of the fuel in oxygen under high pressure. The apparatus used is called bomb calorimeter as shown in the above fig. The bomb calorimeter consists of a strong cylindrical steel vessel with a capacity of 400-500ml. It has an air tight screw lid and a valve for introducing oxygen. A known mass of fuel(about 1g) in the form of a pellet taken in a ceramic or platinum crucible, with a loop iron wire projecting out from it is placed I the bomb . The lid is closed tightly on A and oxygen is pumped in through B at pressure of 25-30atm. The apparatus is placed in a known mass of water taken in the calorimeter surroundings. The initial temp of water is noted. The fuel is ignited by connecting the end of the wire to a
source of electric current. Rapid combustion of fuel takes
place. Water in the calorimeter is continuously stirred using an electrical stirrer during the heating.